Tianzhushan: The Heavenly Pillar
Tianzhushan (天柱山) — one of the three main mountains of Anhui Province, a UNESCO Global Geopark and former ‘Southern Sacred Peak’. The main peak, shaped like a giant pillar supporting the sky, gives the mountain its name ‘Heavenly Pillar’. Here you will find majestic granite cliffs, a fantastic ‘stone forest’ and the ancient Sanzu Monastery (1500 years old).
We will spend two days here: climb the main peak (1488 m), explore the mysterious granite pillars resembling a petrified forest, visit one of the region’s oldest Buddhist temples and see rock inscriptions left by Chinese emperors and poets. An overnight stay in the mountains allows you to witness sunrise over a sea of clouds.
Main peak 1488 m
Stone forest
Sanzu Monastery (1500 years)
Ancient rock calligraphy
Night in the mountains & sunrise
Peaks, stone forest and ancient monastery – 27 photos
What awaits you
- Day 1: Travel and mountain introduction — Departure from Shanghai in the morning, 4-5 hours by high-speed train to Qianshan Station. Arrival, transfer to a hotel at the foot of the park. A short evening walk, dinner and rest before the big day.
- Day 2: Main program (8:00–17:00) — Ascent to the main peak ‘Heavenly Pillar’ (1488 m) by cable car or on foot (optional). Panoramic view of the mountain range and sea of clouds.
- Exploring the Stone Forest — A walk among the fantastic granite pillars resembling a petrified forest. Many rocks have their own names and legends.
- Sanzu Monastery — Visit an ancient Buddhist temple (founded in 505 AD), one of the oldest in the region. Unique architecture, pagodas and mountain views.
- Calligraphy Rocks — See rock inscriptions carved by Chinese emperors, poets and monks on sheer cliffs.
- Return to Shanghai — Evening departure by train, arrival around midnight.
Sample tour itinerary (2 days)
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 — Departure to the ‘Heavenly Pillar’ | ||
| 07:00 | Meeting in Shanghai | Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, transfer to Hongqiao railway station. |
| 08:30–13:00 | Train ride | High-speed train G from Shanghai to Qianshan Station (approx. 4–5 hours). |
| 13:00–14:00 | Transfer & check-in | Meeting at the station, transfer to the hotel at the foot of the mountain. |
| 14:00–17:00 | Evening stroll & getting to know the area | Leisurely walk along the foothills, get to know the park’s nature, photo session. |
| 18:30 | Dinner | Taste of local cuisine (Anhui Province). |
| DAY 2 — Uncovering the secrets of Tianzhushan | ||
| 05:30 | Early rise (optional) | Departure to catch the sunrise at the ‘Heavenly Pillar’ peak — the best chance to see the sea of clouds. |
| 07:30–09:00 | Breakfast & start | Breakfast at the hotel, purchase park tickets (entrance + electric car + cable car). |
| 09:00–12:00 | Big route ‘Peak & Stone Forest’ | Ascent to the ‘Heavenly Pillar’ peak (cable car or hiking). Panoramic mountain views. Walk through the stone forest — fantastic granite pillars. |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch & relax | Lunch at a mountain restaurant (local cuisine). |
| 13:30–15:30 | Second part: Monastery & inscription rocks | Visit to Sanzu Monastery (1500 years old). See ancient pagodas and rock calligraphy. Walk on the viewing platform. |
| 15:30–17:00 | Free time & descent | Walk along the lower trails, descend to the park exit. |
| 17:00–19:30 | Dinner & transfer to station | Dinner in town, souvenir shopping, transfer to the station. |
| 19:30–00:30 | Return to Shanghai | Departure by train back to Shanghai, arrival around midnight. |
💡 Important notes for Tianzhushan:
- Be sure to bring comfortable, non-slip shoes (preferably trekking boots) and a warm jacket (it’s cooler at the summit).
- It is windy at the peak and 5-10°C cooler than at the bottom.
- The tour is suitable for people in good physical condition. There are routes of different difficulty levels, including ascent by cable car.
Price and conditions
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Tour cost
Economy (Train + taxi)
EconomyThe guide meets you at the entrance, assists with tickets. Transfer to the station on your own.
$520per group 1–3 people
Train tickets, entrance fee, lunch – not included
By car
ComfortGuide services, private transfer from Shanghai in a comfortable sedan/minivan.
$620per group 1–3 people
Accommodation and meals paid separately
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Additional expenses (per person)
- Park entrance ticket 130¥ ($18)
- Cable car (round trip) 110¥ ($16)
- Electric car inside the park30¥ ($4)
- Train ticket Shanghai–Qianshan (round trip, 2nd class)~300¥ ($42)
- Lunch in the mountains (2 lunches)160¥ ($22)
- Accommodation (standard room)200¥ ($28)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Children under 1.2 m get a discount on entrance.
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Additional services
👨👩👧👦
Group 4–6 people
+$200
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Photo session
+$100
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Airport transfer (pickup/drop-off)
+$100
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Nearby attractions
🏞️ Qianshan River (潜河)Scenic boat ride, 15 km
🏯 Ancient Qianshan TownHistoric center, 12 km
🍃 Tea plantationsGreen tea tasting
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is it?
The park offers various routes: from easy walks through the stone forest to a full 7-hour trek to the ‘Heavenly Pillar’ peak (1488 m). You can choose the difficulty level that suits you best, including ascent by cable car.
Why is Tianzhushan called the ‘Heavenly Pillar’?
The main peak is shaped like a giant pillar supporting the sky. In ancient times, it was considered the ‘Southern Sacred Peak’ and the birthplace of Chinese alchemy.
What should I bring?
Comfortable, non-slip shoes (preferably trekking boots), a warm jacket (it’s cooler at the summit), water, a snack, your passport, cash, and a camera. It’s best to take a small backpack.
Is it necessary to stay overnight in the mountains? Can I return in one day?
It is technically possible, but we do not recommend it. The journey from Shanghai takes ~5 hours, plus time in the park (at least 6-8 hours) — you will be exhausted and miss a lot. The overnight stay gives you a chance to rest and see the sunrise over the sea of clouds the next morning.
What is the weather like in Tianzhushan?
Winter is cool, sometimes snowy; summer is warm, but it is always cool at the summit. Best time: April-June (flowers, clouds), September-November (golden autumn, clear skies).
Is there a cable car?
Yes, a modern cable car is in operation, taking tourists directly to the ‘Heavenly Pillar’ peak.
Important information
Prices are valid for 2026. A 100% prepayment (PayPal, card) is required for booking. Cancellation 48 hours in advance – full refund; less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are purchased in advance). The organizer reserves the right to change the program due to weather conditions or force majeure.
